SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team came agonizingly close on Friday night but fell 73–72 to Northern State in a gut-wrenching NSIC matchup decided in the final seconds. The Cougars had possession and a chance to win with 0.8 seconds remaining but were unable to get a shot off, as a late second-chance basket by the Wolves proved to be the heartbreaking difference in a game that swung back and forth throughout the second half.

USF controlled much of the first half and built a comfortable cushion behind strong interior play from Krista Langager, but Northern State's efficiency after halftime—particularly their near-perfect execution at the free-throw line—allowed the Wolves to claw back and steal the win in the closing moments.

Game Summary

The Cougars leaned heavily on Krista Langager inside, dominating the paint and controlling the glass while forcing extra possessions early through turnovers and offensive rebounds. USF carried an eight-point lead into halftime and held Northern State to inefficient shooting through the first two quarters, building what looked like a comfortable advantage.

Then the second half flipped everything.

Northern State scored 42 points after the break and capitalized ruthlessly at the free-throw line, going a near-perfect 21-for-23 (91.3 percent) on the night. Meanwhile, USF struggled to find its usual rhythm from beyond the arc, finishing a frigid 3-for-16 from three-point range after shooting lights-out from deep last weekend. Despite clutch defensive stops late, a second-chance basket in the final minute gave the Wolves a one-point edge they refused to surrender.

The Cougars had one last chance—0.8 seconds, one possession, one opportunity. But time ran out before they could get a shot off, and the final buzzer sealed the heartbreaking 73–72 defeat.

How It Happened

First Quarter
USF opened the game with strong momentum, riding Krista Langager's dominant presence inside as she scored seven points on 3-for-4 shooting. Anna Vaaler added six early points, and the Cougars took advantage of extra possessions with five points off turnovers and five second-chance points. USF stretched the lead to nine midway through the quarter, asserting control on both ends, and closed the period ahead 22–15.

Second Quarter
Both teams shot 6-for-16 in the second quarter, but USF made the difference from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line. The Cougars knocked down two threes, added three free throws, and watched Langager score five more points to extend the lead. USF outscored Northern State by one in the quarter and went into halftime holding a 39–31 advantage. 

Third Quarter
Northern State flipped the script coming out of the break with a ruthlessly efficient offensive assault. The Wolves shot 7-for-14 from the field, a perfect 3-for-3 from three, and went 9-for-9 at the free-throw line in the quarter alone. Izzy Moore sparked the run with 11 third-quarter points, and knocking down big shots.

USF scored 18 of its own and battled to stay in front, but Northern's surge erased the entire deficit. The game went into the fourth quarter tied at 57–57, and the momentum had completely shifted.

Fourth Quarter
USF's defense tightened in the final period, holding Northern State to just 4-for-15 shooting and 0-for-4 from deep. The Cougars made them work for everything from the field. But the Wolves remained perfect at the free-throw line, going 8-for-8 in the fourth to keep themselves in front.

Langager continued to fight, scoring eight more points to keep the Cougars alive. USF won the rebounding battle in the quarter and clawed their way back into position to win. But with under a minute remaining, Northern grabbed a crucial offensive rebound and converted a second-chance basket to take a one-point lead.

USF had possession with 0.8 seconds left—one final chance to steal the victory. But they were unable to get a clean look before time expired, sealing the devastating 73–72 result and handing the Cougars the loss.

Key Team Stats

• Three-Point Shooting: USF was held to 3-for-16 (18.8 percent) from deep after shooting well from outside last weekend.
• Free Throws: Northern State went 21-for-23 (91.3 percent) at the line, compared to 65 percent for the Cougars. Those made free throws were the difference.
• Rebounding: Northern State edged USF 38–35 on the boards, with both teams collecting 10 offensive rebounds and 11 second-chance points. The final offensive rebound proved fatal.
• Second Half: The Wolves outscored USF 42–33 after halftime to complete the comeback and steal the win.

Key Cougars

• Krista Langager – 25 points, 9 rebounds (4 offensive), 11-for-17 shooting
• Ayla Brown – 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 7-for-8 from the free-throw line
• Alexis Rose – 10 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds

Coach's Corner

"Was a fun game to be part of. We have to learn to do the little things and get big rebounds and big stops if we want to win games on the road. All the credit goes to Northern for hanging in there and winning down the stretch."
— Head Coach Travis Traphagen

Up Next

The Cougars continue their road swing on Saturday, January 31, traveling to Jamestown to face the Jimmies at 3:00 p.m. inside Harold Newman Arena.

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